How to Get a Legal Medical Marijuana Card or AuthorizationPart 2, State-By-State MMJ Qualifying Conditions

Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Marijuana Card by State

Although cannabis remains federally illegal in the United States, many states have legalized cannabis for valid medical purposes (and several states have legalized cannabis both medically and for adult use). In order to qualify for medical marijuana, patients must have a diagnosed ailment that is on their state’s list of qualifying medical marijuana conditions. With the recommendation of a local physician, a qualified patient can obtain a medical marijuana card or authorization to visit dispensaries and purchase medical marijuana products. (In states where recreational cannabis has been legalized, adult consumers do not need a medical marijuana card, but may not have access to the same medical cannabis products that are available for patients.)

Here’s a list of which states authorize medical marijuana for valid, qualified patients. Each entry includes a link to the state’s qualifying conditions, as well as a rundown of which medical conditions and symptoms must be verified by a physician in order to get authorized as a valid medical marijuana patient. Please note that some states allow physicians to approve other medical conditions not listed on a case-by-case basis, so check with your doctor.

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California

Qualifying conditions to become a medical marijuana patient in California include:

Cancer

Anorexia

AIDS

Chronic pain

Spasticity

Cachexia

Persistent muscle spasms, including those associated with multiple sclerosis

Seizures, including, but not limited to, those associated with epilepsy

Severe nausea

Glaucoma

Arthritis

Migraines

Any other chronic or persistent medical symptom that substantially limits the ability of the person to conduct one or more major life activities (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) or, if not alleviated, may cause serious harm to the patient’s safety or physical or mental health

Colorado

Although Colorado has implemented a legal recreational cannabis market, it still operates medical marijuana dispensaries for valid patients. Colorado medical marijuana patients still pay standard sales tax on cannabis but are exempt from the high excise taxes and additional state taxes collected from recreational cannabis sales. Minors may also apply to be registered as a medical marijuana patient if they have been diagnosed with a qualifying condition.

Qualifying conditions to become a medical marijuana patient in Colorado include:

Cancer

Glaucoma

HIV/AIDS

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

If the patient has a chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition that produces one or more of the following:

Kentucky

Kentucky allows for the use of low-THC cannabis or industrial hemp-derived CBD oil. Only those who are participating in a clinical trial or expanded access program are legally allowed to possess CBD oil.

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